I've read Edgmon's other books, and I was fascinated to see what he would do with a Wicked and the Divine scenario (gods reincarnating across years) set in rural Appalachia. The cast is trans majority and wild as hell in the best way possible, everyone is a messy bitch, and guess what, our protag/POV is the villain (/Taylor Swift song). This was just a fun read, and with that cliffhanger, I can't wait to see where he goes next. Pick it up when you have the chance!

I received this ARC from St. Martins Press, Wednesday Books, and H.E. Edgmon through NetGalley.

First and foremost, the ending:
HOLY SHIT.

This was such a wild and enjoyable ride! The worldbuilding was so intriguing and the characters so captivatingly lush!

Having the story be told from Gem's pov just made everything so much more emotional and intense! It made everything seem so vivid in your mind as you read and visualised what was happening.

The pacing was just right with the battle scenes and "recovery" scenes were well balanced.

The way H.E. Edgmon developed each characters' personalities and relationships was so well written I could feel the jealousy, love, frustration, and hurt just as the characters did. I could understand where the characters were coming from when they expressed their grievances and motivations.

To me, overall, this story was very cinematic and such a thrill to read and I loved it!

This dark fantasy is a light with a full cast with amazing depth and a long winding story that draws you in.

I thought that the premise and the writing itself were great. The plot keeps you hooked and you take the journey with Gem. The representation is great, and the found family is wonderful.

The only drawback for me is that the memory and dream jumps you have to pay a lot of attention to our you can get a little lost. I wish there was more clear separation.

I expect this duologywill be absolutely wonderful, but there is a cliffhanger to draw you to the second book.

4.5 stars

Gem Echols is a nonbinary Seminole teen living in a small town in Georgia. They lean hard into their charm, known for being the queer awakening for their peers. No one really knows the anxious mess they actually are, except for a trans boy named Enzo living in Brooklyn.

But not even Enzo knows about the dreams Gem has, dreams that felt too real. Except the new girl, Willa Mae, who seems to know everything. And act like she and Gem are old friends. When Gem is attacked by the Goddess of Death, they learn that Gem and Willa are gods, reincarnated across lifetimes. And they’ve made a lot of enemies.

Thanks to Wednesday Books and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Godly Heathens by HE Edgmon to review! Though Edgmon has been on my radar for a while, I finally picked up his first series this year. And there’s just something about their writing style that has me hooked!

Though The Witch King is dark, I almost think this new duology is a bit darker. Gem is not always the most likable character, nor do they do the most likable things. As we get flashes of their past lives as a reader, our perception of them changes. Kind of like their perception of themselves changes. The way the book is written adds to this mythical world Edmon has created, and it just works really well for the way the story unfolds.

The story itself is wonderfully chaotic, with a cast of characters who have been hurt and traumatized but they’ve found each other. Sure, they’re all set up for more hurt and trauma, but you still know that they have each other. That idea of found family permeates through the core of the story, and even though it’s a bit dark, there’s still that element of hope.

The cast of characters themselves are wonderfully diverse, and it’s great for teens to be able to identify with that. I think my only complaint about this book is that at times, the jumping between memories is a little confusing, but it feels purposeful. We’re just as confused as Gem is for a lot of the book. Overall, it works to create an engaging story by the end.

Be warned, though, it does end on a pretty big cliffhanger. Luckily, you won’t have to wait too long for the second book to come out next spring! If you’re looking for a dark fantasy with morally gray characters, Edgmon is definitely worth checking out.

Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press’s Wednesday Books for providing me with a copy of this eARC of Godly Heathens by H. E. Edgmon. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Godly Heathens by H. E. Edgmon is about Gem Echols, a nonbinary Seminole teen who discovers that not only are they a god who has been reincarnated as different members of their family for generations, they are also being hunted by the Goddess of Death and other gods, and if that wasn't bad enough, they also find out that the horrifying dreams they have been having are true. All this information is naturally dropped on Gem within less than 24 hours.
What a ride! This was one of the most exciting books I’ve read in a while! The world-building was nicely done. I really enjoyed following along with Gem as their memories from their past selves came back to them! Also, the pacing was really good. It was a steady balance of fast and slow moments which really lets readers take in all the information without getting overloaded.

This was so good and I was on the edge of my seat right up until that heartstopping ending! This is a duology readers are going to be talking about for a long time!

Godly Heathens is scheduled to hit shelves on November 28, 2023! I highly recommend buying it or checking it out from your local library when it does!

5 out of 5 stars

Godly heathens is a YA fantasy with queer representation that deals with character trauma. The main character, Gem, is a reincarnated god. Although the book was a really interesting concept, it wasn't for me. I found the main character dislikable, and the beginning chapters were hard to follow.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is its exploration of identity and self-acceptance. This novel was a spellbinding and emotionally resonant tale that delves deep into themes of identity, love, and destiny. I will absolutely recommend this book to others.

that was a great book. Im going to come back to edit my review while i wrap my mind around it. Im excited to read more from Edgmon

This is a great book for anyone who loves messy, destructive, imperfect characters with messy drama with fantasy elements, and action but unfortunately, this book isn't for me.

I went into this book blind. I really liked the gender humour, the personality of the main character and how grounded the story felt in the beginning, it really hooked me in and I found it very compelling. The first chapter had me really excited for a fun fantasy action story.

But as the book went on, it got really hard for me to read. I found the basis of the romantic relationships which seemed to be the major motivational factor of the story to be really hard for me to be invested in. I do not like either love interest for the protagonist and it was really hard to read through the story especially since it was such a romance heavy book.

Another frustration that I had was that stuff sort of happens and there's no real feeling of loss or consequences for a certain character death that should've held more weight especially since the main character was friends before their awakening as a god. I felt like more drama could've been extracted from that conflict of a friend that turned into an enemy but he was killed too quickly.

The final thing was that there were a lot of characters and I had a hard time remembering who was who. It might've been just me but it wasn't easy to keep track of the story because of the large cast.

I can see other people loving this book and people being excited to have a whole new take on fantasy gods on a modern world but unfortunately it just didn't hit well with me.

This book truly blew any idea I had about it out of the fucking water. I was instantly hooked and really upset that the only time I had to read was right before bed. It was a true travesty. I was unaware that this is part of a series so I was going to be really angry when I got to the end, but thankfully the sequel is coming out fairly soon.

If you like Gods coming back to life as Gen-Z teenagers, this is the book for you!

So good! I was shocked at how easy this was to read and understand with how complex reincarnated gods with multiple lives are. The twist in the middle shocked me.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest, spoiler-free review!

Themes: Magic, Power, Balance
Representation: Queer MCs, Queer LIs, Queer SCs, Native MC, POC SCs, Polyamory
Content Warnings: Mental Illness, Violence

Premise: Gem Echols has been having strange dreams. One day, someone named Willa enters their life and tells them that they are a reincarnation of a god and that they have to find a knife.

Personal Comments

Okay, I’m going to keep this one short because I’m literally writing this review in an airport.

Personally, I enjoyed this book enough. However, there were some parts that I felt out of it. In my opinion, I think it’s because of the pacing of the book, as well as the fact that the world building, in my opinion, is sort of introduced awkwardly. And I found that parts of the plot fell flat. I did find the world building cool though. As for the characters, I enjoyed their banter. I found the MC irritating at times but thought that they were well-written.

Thus, 3.5/5 for a personal rating

Characters

As I’ve said, I did find the MC slightly irritating at times. But I think, subjectively, the author created a great, morally grey character. How they felt was understandable. They might have bad habits but they truly care about who they love. For the SCs, I also found them compelling, though I wished that there was more on their backstories. However, this is part of a book series so hopefully, we’ll see more of that. Finally, for representation, I thought it was pretty well done. The author does a great job addressing queer characters, Indigenous characters, and depicting mental health issues.

So… 4.2/5

Plot

I enjoyed the world that was built by the author. There were many compelling elements that drew you in. And the author also does a great job with the scenery. However, I think that there were parts of the world building that felt awkward and forced. As for the pacing, I personally felt that some parts were too slow. But subjectively, I don’t think it is too much of an issue and does not hinder the story too much. I just prefer faster paced books! Finally, for the ending, it’ll definitely leave you wishing for more, and it expertly sets up for the next book in the series.

I’ll give it a 4.2/5 as well

Other

For themes, I think the author does an okay job at representing them. They are sprinkled and seen throughout the story, but there isn’t anything super Earth-shattering about the way the themes are written. And as for the tense and POV, it’s written in first person and present tense. First person is great for YA books. And present tense can be difficult to pull off but it works well for this book. Finally, one thing that definitely up the rating are the chapter titles. Each chapter has a funny name and that makes the book more enjoyable overall.

For the great chapter titles, I’ll give it 4.5/5
Final Rating

Personal Rating: 3.5/5
Characters: 4.2/5
Plot: 4.2/5
Formatting: 4.5/5
Final Rating: 4.1/5 (round to 4 stars)

Date Read: September 5th, 2023
Date Reviewed: September 5th, 2023

I struggled with this book to start. I had a hard time with Gem. I didn’t like them very much. Their reaction was very understandable given all of their trauma, but I didn’t connect with them. However, the plot is GOOD.

Gem Echols is a nonbinary Seminole teen living in the tiny town of Gracie, Georgia. Part of a pantheon trapped on earth being reborn into generation after generation and some of them recalling their previous lives and some not. It was a fascinating concept. Gem can’t recall their past and struggles to reconcile what Willa Mae is telling them about them being in love over thousands of years and over dozens of lifetimes. And how does Enzo, the guy that Gem has been in love with for years in this lifetime, fit into this picture? Can there be room for a human in a relationship between gods? Does a human life matter in such a grand scale?

I didn’t pay enough attention at the start so I missed that the book is part of a duology, but now I will DEFINITELY be picking up the second book when it comes out.

Godly Heathens" by H.E. Edgmon is a solid 4-star read for me. It's a captivating blend of contemporary and fantasy elements, featuring Gem Echols, a nonbinary Seminole teen. Gem's charm hides their underlying anxiety, and when a mysterious girl named Willa Mae arrives in town, secrets unfold.

The story takes an unexpected turn when Gem is attacked by someone claiming to be the Goddess of Death, revealing truths about their past lives. With Enzo, a distant confidant, and themes of reincarnation and ancient gods, the narrative is both engaging and mysterious. If you enjoy contemporary stories with a touch of magic, this book is worth a read. The mysterious and enchanting atmosphere created by the author made this book a page-turner, and I couldn't wait to uncover the secrets of Gem's past lives.

I was not expecting the sheer number of triggers in this book, so once I got to the content warning page I really took a step back (I am thankful it existed though!). I decided that after reading a little bit, this one really wasn't for me, since I am really not ready for all of the content noted in the book.

This may be the most gorgeous, grotesquely written story I have ever read. And I mean that in the best way.

The large, compelling cast of characters are all mostly unlikeable but it just adds to the story. They are gods, they don’t need to be likable. I did struggle a bit with Gem so I hope to maybe see a character growth arc in the future. Additionally, the town of Gracie itself as a character and the palpability of how faith dominates over the region is visceral.

H.E. Edgmon's "Godly Heathens" is a literary masterpiece that offers a profound and captivating exploration of spirituality, identity, and the power of self-discovery. This novel takes readers on an extraordinary journey through a richly woven narrative that seamlessly combines mythology, queerness, and the search for self-acceptance.

The story is centered around the character of Cyrus, a young trans man grappling with his identity and a deep connection to the mythological realm. Edgmon's storytelling is nothing short of magical; their ability to intertwine the ancient myths of gods and goddesses with contemporary issues and LGBTQ+ experiences is a testament to their literary prowess.

The character development in "Godly Heathens" is exceptional. Cyrus is a compelling and relatable protagonist, and his journey of self-discovery is both heartfelt and empowering. Edgmon skillfully navigates the complexities of gender identity and queerness, making these themes central to the story without ever reducing them to mere tokens or stereotypes.

One of the most remarkable aspects of this novel is its world-building. Edgmon's portrayal of the mythological world, the gods and goddesses, and the interactions between humans and these divine beings is nothing short of awe-inspiring. It immerses readers in a fantastical realm while maintaining a strong connection to the real-world struggles faced by the characters.

The prose is lyrical and evocative, drawing readers into the emotional depth of the characters and the enchanting landscapes they traverse. Edgmon's writing is both thought-provoking and poetic, making "Godly Heathens" a truly immersive reading experience.

While the novel deals with weighty themes, it is also sprinkled with moments of humor, tenderness, and hope. These lighter moments provide a well-balanced narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

In "Godly Heathens," H.E. Edgmon has crafted a novel that is not only a remarkable work of literature but also a significant contribution to LGBTQ+ literature and the broader world of contemporary fiction. It challenges societal norms and preconceptions while celebrating the beauty of self-acceptance and the enduring power of love and friendship.

In conclusion, "Godly Heathens" is an exceptional literary achievement that transcends genres and expectations. It's a novel that invites readers to explore the intersection of mythology and modernity, identity and self-discovery, all while providing an unforgettable reading experience. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a profound, heartwarming, and thought-provoking journey into the realms of both the divine and the human spirit. H.E. Edgmon's storytelling is a testament to the transformative power of literature, and "Godly Heathens" is destined to become a classic of contemporary queer literature.

This is one of those books where you wish it came out a long time ago. It’s about Gem, a nonbinary Seminole, who must disguise themselves in their world. This book mostly focuses on the development of the characters and their story throughout this book. I love a good character-driven story and Edgmon delivered that to their readers. The plot is also amazing and I loved learning about this fantasy world which is easy to understand. So much happens in this book but it was also such a quick read that leaves you wanting more. Again, the characters were amazing as they are morally grey and diverse. The romance is polyamorous but I couldn’t truly feel the romantic chemistry. The ending was a bit flat but it’s getting a second book which I can’t wait to read. I totally recommend checking out this book.

*this arc was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*

This book has been on my Netgalley shelf for months, but it was such an anticipated release for me that I couldn't bring myself to start it; it felt intimidating. I'm so glad I finally did though, because this was AMAZING.

It's hard to review this just because it felt so truly unique and it scratched my brain in a weird way that I can't explain, just like the Witch King duology did. This book combines two tropes that I feel are hard to do well: reincarnation and soulmates. But if done right, these tropes are some of my favourites of all time, and I loved them here.

I already said this book was unique but I have to reiterate that, because I've genuinely not read anything like it. If I had to comp it to anything, I would go with Daughter of Smoke and Bone, but this only holds up in part. I do think if you loved that, you will also love this.

I spent my entire time reading this on the edge of my seat, unable to predict pretty much anything, and I can only say I need the sequel NOW!

* Thank you NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. *

Godly Heathens is about Gem Echols, a nonbinary Seminole teen living in small-town America. Except things aren't exactly what they seem - Gem is a reincarnated God from another world, and all the gods from their world are after them for reasons Gem doesn't even remember.

I'm conflicted on this one. And not because this book wasn't amazing - it was, it is, and you should 100% read it. If it was just about whether or not I recommend this book, then I would wholeheartedly tell you to read this book. It was a bonkers ride of magic, betrayal, and romance. It was also hilariously funny, and extremely touching and emotional in some places.

However... I didn't love all the characters in this book. I can't be too specific, because spoilers!, but I am not always a fan of morally gray characters, and that's my own hang-up. I think in the end this is an amazing book written by an incredibly talented author who understands the duality of people, and even with my concerns regarding some of the characters, I was fully invested in it the whole time and found myself horrified when I reached the final page and didn't have any more book to read. I will definitely be reading more H.E. Edgmon, and eagerly awaiting the next book.